The next year will be a transition period for the Interstate 69 project in Indiana, as focus shifts from Section 5 to Section 6.

Most of the work expected next year will take place outside the main lanes of the highway. The Section 5 project, which runs about 21 miles from Rockport Road in Monroe County to the Indian Creek bridge in Morgan County, reached substantial completion in the fall. The definition of substantial completion varies depending on the project, according to Indiana Department of Transportation officials, but for Section 5, this meant the highway was open and functional with limited restrictions.

Crews continued work on areas outside the main travel lanes after substantial completion was reached. This included things such as slope grading, fence installation and the placement of stone. Crews will likely return in the spring for finishing touches, such as planting trees and shrubs.

Section 6 begins at the Indian Creek bridge just south of Martinsville and ends at I-465 in Marion County. It’s 26 miles and has been divided into five segments.

Most of the work on Section 6 expected to take place in 2019 will be in what’s known as the Martinsville segment. This segment stretches from the southern end of Section 6 to about one mile north of the Ind. 44 intersection. Construction outside the main highway lanes is expected to begin early next year in the Martinsville segment. Highway construction in this segment could begin late next year or in early 2020.